Novel electrolyte package



2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Sept. 14, 1962 INVENTOR SIDNEY LIPSCHUTZ ATTOR/VEYS.

March 9, 1965 s. LIPSCHUTZ 3,172,570

NOVEL ELECTROLYTE PACKAGE Filed Sept. 14, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 86 82 IJ h 80 INVENTOR SIDNEY LIPSCHUTZ A T TORNE Y5.

United States Patent C) 3,172,570 NOVEL ELECTROLYTE PACKAGE SidneyLipschutz, 4001 Main St., Philadelphia, Pa. Filed Sept. 14, 1962, Ser.No. 223,643 8 Claims. (Cl. 222105) This invention relates to containersfor corrosive liquids and, more particularly, it relates to containersof the multiple unit type.

It has been the prior practice in the industry to package corrosiveliquids such as acids or alkaline materials in containers consisting ofa relatively rigid outer unit made of fiberboard enclosing a flexibleinner unit of noncorrosive material such as polyethylene, celluloseacetate and the like.

One of the flexible inner units heretofore used has consisted of atubular member sealed completely along its bottom edge and also sealedalong its top edge except for a spout member extending therefrom whichis not sealed until the bag has been filled.

Another flexible unit heretofore used has consisted of an outer bag andinner bag positioned therein, the two bags being secured together with acommon seal along the bottom edge thereof. The seals in the foregoingbags have generally comprised two closely spaced parallel sealsseparated by a small air space rather than a single line of sealing.

In other applications, the spout has been eliminated and instead, theflexible inner container was initially sealed along its entire top andbottom edges. Thereafter, an upper corner was cut off to permit thecorrosive liquid to be dispensed into the package and, finally, a sealwas formed adjacent the upper corner.

Corrosive liquids packaged in the foregoing manner are dispensed bymeans of a probe of the nature of the device disclosed and claimed incopending application Serial No. 845,851 filed October 12, 1959. Theprobe is thrust directly through the wall of the relatively rigid outercontainer (fiberboard box) and then continues to penetrate through theflexible wall or walls of the inner container. The plastic memory of thematerial comprising the flexible bag causes the material to tightlyadhere about the probe, and the corrosive liquid contained in theflexible bag may flow only through the probe and then through a hosesecured to the probe to be dispensed as desired. Clamping means arepositioned about the hose at a desired point to control the dispensingof the corrosive liquid.

The foregoing probe constitutes a very simple and highly effective meansof great safety for dispensing corrosive liquids. However, as previouslystated, the inner container or containers are necessarily flexible.Thus, it has been found in actual practice that when the probe isinserted through the wall of the rigid container and plunges stillfurther against the outer wall of the flexible inner container, theflexible inner container has a tendency to slide away from the pressureof the probe. Hence, the insertion of the probe may be rendered moredifficult and, also, the piercing of the inner bag may be such that theprobe enters the bag at a relatively small acute angle rather than theprefered right angle entry. Hence, insertion of the probe may be afaulty one so that leakage around the probe will occur.

' The foregoing problem was elfectively solved in prior copendingapplication Serial No. 9,898 filed February 19, 1960, now patent No.3,065,894, wherein the inner bag was provided with a foldable spoutwhich was fastened to an inside portion of an outer flap of the rigidcontainer. The flap was then folded in a conventional manner uponpreviously folded inner flaps ot complete the packaging. Thus the spoutwas interposed between the inner and outer flaps of the rigid containerin the fully "ice assembled package and the probe was thrust into therelatively rigid container at a point closely adjacent to the folded andinterposed flap. Hence, the flexible container adjacent the entry pointof the probe is held fast in position, and penetration of the probe isaccomplished at a substantial right angle.

However, the foregoing device necessitated a filling spout. Moreover,where the flexible inner container comprised outer and inner flexiblebags, the problem of the inner flexible bag sliding away from the outerflexible bag under the pressure of the probe existed to a substantialdegree.

The foregoing problems were effectively solved in copending applicationSerial No. 43,532 filed July 18, 1960, now Patent No. 3,112,057 whereinan adhesive surface was interposed along a limited area between theinner and outer bags so that the inner bag would not slide away from thepressure of the inserted probe. In addition, adhesive tape means werefastened to the outer surface of the flexible container and then ledbetween the folded inner flaps of the relatively rigid outer containerand, finally, over the outer surface of one of the inner flaps to besecured against the external surface of the relatively rigid outercontainer. The probe was accordingly thrust into the relatively rigidouter container at a point adjacent the emergence of the tape therefrom.

Another solution to the foregoing problems is disclosed in copendingapplication Serial No. 105,486 filed April 25, 1961, now Patent No.3,065,895, wherein a bracing member is interposed between the flexibleinner bag and the outer rigid container, and beneath the flexible innerbag. The inner bag is secured to the bracing member adjacent the pointof insertion of the probe, and the bracing member is maintained inplace. Thus, the securement of the bag and bracing member prohibits anymovement of the bag when the probe is thrust therein.

The electrolyte package of this invention also overcomes any problem ofmovement of the inner bag relative to the probe during the insertion ofthe probe therein. Additionally, the package of this invention overcomesanother problemwhich has existed in the prior art in the probedispensing of liquid from packages of this type. It has been found to beextremely diflicult, if not impossible, to remove all of the acid fromthe bottom of the package by the probe dispensing of said acid. This isbecause the probe is inserted near the bottom of the package butslightly raised therefrom. Since the bottom of all prior packages washorizontal, all the acid below the probe over the large area of thebottom of the package was wasted. The tilting of the acid package aidedsomewhat, but still a substantial amount of the corrosive acid remainedin the package.

Using the bracing member of this invention in combination with the innerflexible bag a sump is provided in which all of the remaining acid inthe package is collected. Thus, rather than having approximately a 4inch depth of acid across the entire area of the entire bottom of thepackage, this depth will exist only in the area of the sump, therebyleaving a far smaller amount of acid in the package than heretoforepossible.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a novelelectrolyte package including an outer rigid container and an innerflexible container, wherein the inner flexible container is providedwith a sump for the collection of acid in the bottom thereof.

It is another object of this invention to provide a multiple unitcontainer including an inner flexible container which will not slideaway under the force of the insertion of a probe therein.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a novel electrolytepackage from which the electrolyte will be probe dispensed, and whichresults in a minimum of 3 loss of electrolyte due to an accumulation ofacid below the probe.

The foregoing, as well as other objects of this invention, are achievedby providing a multiple unit container com prising a relatively rigidouter container and a relatively flexible inner container, said innercontainer adapted to be filled with a liquid which is subsequentlysealed therein. and which is adapted to be probe dispensed therefrom,.means associated with said inner container to provide a. sump at thebottom thereof, said sump extending over" only a small portion of thewidth of said inner contarner, whereby the liquid remaining in saidinner container after a substantial portion thereof has been dispensedwill collect in said sump.

Other objects and many of the attendant advantages of this inventionwill be readily appreciated as the same: becomes better understood byreference to the following. detailed description when considered inconnection with. the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the inner flexible bag andbracing member of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the bracing member with the innerflexible bag secured thereto, immediately prior to insertion in theouter rigid container;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the inner flexible bag securedto the lower bracing member and the outer rigid container;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the entire package in use with the probeinserted;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a section view taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a modified form of the bracing member; and

FIG. 8 is another modified form of the bracing member.

Referring now in greater detail to the various figures of the drawingswherein similar reference characters re:- for to similar parts, a novelelectrolyte package embodying the present invention is generally shownat 10 in FIG. 3.

Package 10 basically comprises outer rigid container 12 and flexibleinner container 14 adapted to hold the electrolyte or other liquid andbe positioned within outer rigid container 12. r

The outer rigidcontainer 12 is of corrugated cardboard construction andbasically comprises a pair of lateral sides 16 and a pair of lateralends 18. The bottom of container 12 includes side flaps 20 and end flaps22 (FIG. 6). The top of rigid container 12 is similarly provided with apair of side flaps 24 and end flaps 26.

The bottom of the outer rigid container is closed by first folding endflaps 22 inwardly. A layer of adhesive is then applied on the outersurfaces thereof. Side flaps 20 are then folded on top of the end flapsand held in place by the adhesive. If desired, external adhesive tape 28can be positioned along the bottom line of flaps 34 to additionallysecure them in place.

Flexible inner container 14 is formed from a piece of tubular plastic28, such as polyethylene, cellulose acetate or the like. The bottom edgeof tube 28 is heat sealed by first wrapping a strip of thermoplasticmaterial 30 around the lower edge and subsequently heat sealing thestrip to the edge. A pair of ends 32 extend to both sides of bag 28. Aplastic patch 34 is secured to bag 28 by any suitable means such asadhesive coated tape 36. The purpose of the pacth 34 is to provide atight gasket around the probe which is subsequently inserted, as morefully described in my copending application Serial No. 215,343 filedAugust 7, 1962.

Prior to filling, inner flexible container 14 is secured to a bracingmember shown generally at 38 in FIG. 1. Bracing member 38 is formed froma rigid material such as corrugated cardboard. The lower surface ofbracing member 38 is provided with a score line 40 which ex- 4 tendstransversely across the entire width thereof. A pair of blocks 42 aresecured to the outer ends of bracing member 38 to elevate the edgesthereof. These blocks may be made of any suitable material such asinexpensive wood or cardboard, and may be secured by any suitable means,such as adhesive or adhesive tape.

The inner bag 14 is then secured to the lower bracing member 38 by firstwrapping lower corners 44 around the bracing member. These corners aresecured in place by taping ends 32 of strip 30 to the under surface ofbracing member 38 by adhesive tape 46. The surface of tube 28 on whichpatch 34 is secured is maintained adjacent one edge of bracing member 38by a pair of strips of adhesive tape 48. Of course, it is to beunderstood that Wherever adhesive tape is disclosed for the purpose ofoecurement, a liquid adhesive could similarly be used.

After bracing member 38 has been placed on inner container 14, thecontainer is filled with battery electrolyte or other liquid, andsubsequently heat sealed at the top. The filling and heat sealing can becarried out on the machine disclosed in my copending application SerialNo. 173,962 filed February 19, 1962, now Patent No. 3,084,201.

After the inner bag 14 has been filled and sealed, it is placed in theouter rigid container 12. After the insertion thereof, the top of theouter rigid container is closed by first folding end flaps 26 inwardly,applying adhesive to the tops thereof, and folding side flaps 24inwardly on top of the adhesive coated end flaps. If desired, adjhesivetape 50 (FIG. 4) can be used to maintain the securement. In use, anindicating mark 52 is placed on one of the side portions 16 of outerrigid container 12 (see FIG. 3). Indicating mark 52 is adjacent the arearof patch 34.

The liquid is dispensed from package 10 by the insertion of a tap orprobe 54 therein (see FIG. 5). This probe pierces outer rigid container12 through indicating mark 52 and then through patch 34 and innerflexible bag wall 28. A more detailed description of the tap and itsmanner of use is disclosed in my aforesaid copending application SerialNo. 845,851. Basically tap 54 comprises body portion 56 which tapers toa point 58 at the front thereof. A pair of apertures 60 lead to a hollowbore of the body member 56, which bore extends from the aperturesrearwardly through the end of the tap. A shoulder 62 which extendsaround the outer perimeter of the tap abuts the outside wall 16 of theouter rigid container 12. A pair of wings 64 project rearwardly fromshoulder 62. A fragmentary thread 66 is provided forwardly of shoulder62 and is spaced therefrom by a distance which is equal to the thicknessof outer rigid container wall 16. Thus, wall 16 is wedged between thread66 and shoulder 62, in the manner explained in my copending applicationSerial No. 845,851.

In use, the tap or probe 54 is thrust through both the outer and innercontainers. The force of gravity causes the liquid 68 Within the innercontainer to exit through tap 54 by first entering apertures 60 and thenthe hollow bore of body member 56. A suitable pinch clamp (not shown) isused for metering the liquid flowing out of the container. Oneembodiment of a pinch clamp which can be used is disclosed in copendingapplication Serial No. 86,952 filed February 3, 1961, now Patent No.3,142,472.

It should be noted that after the probe 54 is inserted, the combinationof patch 34 and bag wall 28 provides a tight gasket around the bodymember 56, as described in my aforementioned copending applicationSerial No.

The package of this invention can be made in different sizes. As seen inFIG. 5, the probe 54 is necessarily positioned a short distance abovethe base of the package. In view of the fact that the liquid isdispensed by gravity flow, there is no means of dispensing the liquidwhich remains below the tap. However, in order to minimize the amount ofliquid remaining, bracing member 38 has been provided. It is seen inFIG. 6 that blocks 42 raise the outer edges of bracing member 38. Thus,when the inner bag is filled with liquid, the weight of the liquid willbear against the center score line 40 of the bracing member, therebyproviding a valley or sump 72 in the area of said score line. It is thusseen that as the liquid is withdrawn from the inner container, the lastfew drops will be in the area of sump 72. It is further seen that theprovision of bracing member 38 greatly reduces the volume of liquidwhich can be present beneath probe 54 after the liquid is withdrawn.

By using the bracing member of this invention, very little, if any,liquid is lost or wasted due to its failure to be dispensed throughprobe 54. When dispensing battery acid, which is corrosive, it iscompletely advantageous not to have any liquid remaining in the bag.Whatever small amounts are remaining can be readily disposed of by beingflushed out with water.

It should also be noted that the dimensions in length and width of thebracing member are substantially the same as the inner dimensions inlength and width of the outer rigid container. Thus, when the innercontainer is placed within the outer container, there is substantiallyno movement of the bracing member relative to the outer container. Asseen in FIG. 3, the wall 28 having patch 34 thereon is secured tobracing member 33. Thus, since patch 34 and its associated Wall 28 areheld securely in place adjacent the wall 16 of the outer rigidcontainer, there is no lateral movement of the inner flexible bag whenthe probe 5'4 is inserted therethrough. In this manner there is no fearof leakage because of a faulty insertion.

Although this invention has been described with respect to a particularbracing member, it is to be understood that other bracing members can beused. Thus, the only prerequisite for the bracing member is that it beelevated at its ends and lowered in the center in order to provide thenecessary sump adjacent the area of insertion of the probe. In FIG. 7there is provided another embodiment of a bracing member which isgenerally shown at '74. Bracing member 74 is formed from a unitary pieceof cardboard which is rectangular in shape. Thus, there is provided afiat horizontal bottom 76, sides 73 which extend perpendicularly upwardfrom the bottom and sloping top portions 75 which have their edgesabutting as at line 77. Here again there is provided a sump or valley inthe area of abutting edges 77. Furthermore, the combined effect of theabutting edges 77 and the weight of the liquid will maintain sides 78 ina vertical position. thereby maintaining the necessary Vallev In FIG. 8there is generally shown a third embodiment of the bracing member at 80.This bracing member also is made from a unitary piece of cardboard andincludes a top surface 82 having a score line 84 at the center thereof.In this embodiment the outer edges of the bracing member are elevated byproviding a pair of inward folds 86 at said outer edges.

The bracing members in FIGS. 7 and 8 are used in a manner which isidentical to that of bracing member 38.

Obviously many modifications and variations of the present invention arepossible in the light of the above teachings. For instance, rather thanfilling the inner flexible bag prior to insertion in the outer rigidcontainer, the inner bag may first be placed in the outer container andsubsequently filled and sealed. Although the invention has beendescribed with the use of a single-ply bag, obviously a double-ply bagcan be used, such as that disclosed in my copending application SerialNo. 14,838 filed March 14, 1960, now abandoned. It is, therefore, to beunderstood that within the scope of the appended claims, the inventionmay be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

What is claimed as the invention is:

1. A multiple unit container comprising a relatively rigid outercontainer and a relatively flexible inner container, said innercontainer adapted to be filled with a liquid which is subsequentlysealed therein and which is adapted to be probe dispensed therefrom,insert means within said outer container to provide a sump at the bottomthereof, said sump extending over only a small portion of the width ofsaid inner container, said inner container being secured to said insertmeans in the area of said sump, said insert means being substantiallylaterally immovable relative to said outer container, whereby said probecan be inserted through one wall of said outer and inner containers inthe area of said sump without the inner container substantially movingrelative to the inserted probe, thereby preventing any leakage caused byfaulty insertion of the probe.

2. The invention of claim 1 wherein said insert means comprises abracing member which is interposed between said inner container and saidouter container and is positioned beneath said inner container.

3. The invention of claim 2 wherein said bracing member has the outeredges thereof elevated whereby the sump will be formed in the area ofthe center of said bracing member.

4. The invention of claim 3 wherein said bracing member is formed of arelatively rigid material and the ends are elevated by blocks secured tosaid rigid material, said bracing member having a lateral score lineacross the width, whereby the weight of its liquid within the innercontainer will depress said bracing member along said score line.

5. The invention of claim 3 wherein said bracing member is formed from aunitary piece of relatively rigid material and the outer ends areelevated by bent portions of said rigid material at said outer ends.

6. The invention of claim 2 wherein the maintaining of said bracingmember against lateral movement is accomplished by providing a bracingmember which has approximately the same dimensions as an inner crosssection of the outer rigid container.

7. The invention of claim 1 wherein said inner flexible containercontains a flexible patch of sheet material, said patch being in thearea of insertion of said probe, whereby a tight gasket will be formedaround said probe when said probe is inserted through said patch andsaid inner flexible container.

8. The invention of claim 2 wherein said inner flexible container isprovided with a pair of lower corners, said lower corners being wrappedaround said bracing member and secured thereto.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS2,704,075 Cherkin Mar. 15, 1955 2,861,718 Winzen Nov. 25, 1958 2,925,199Brookshier Feb. 16, 1960 3,081,003 Baxter et al Mar. 12, 1963

1. A MULTIPLE UNIT CONTAINER COMPISING A RELATIVELY RIGID OUTERCONTAINER AND A RELATIVELY FLEXIBLE INNER CONTAINER, SAID INNERCONTAINER ADAPTED TO BE FILLED WITH A LIAUID WHICH IS SUBSEQUENTLYSEALED THEREIN AND WHICH IS ADAPTED TO BE PROBE DISPENSED THEREFROM,INSERT MEANS WITHIN SAID OUTER CONTAINER TO PROVIDE A SUMP AT THE BOTTOMTHEREOF, SAID SUMP EXTENDING OVER ONLY A SMALL PORTION OF THE WIDTH OFSAID INNER CONTAINER, SAID INNER CONTAINER BEING SECURED TO SAID INSERTMEANS IN THE AREA OF SAID SUMP, SAID INSERT MEANS BEING SUBSTANTIALLYLATERALLY IMMOVABLE RELATIVE TO SAID OUTER CONTAINER, WHEREBY SAID PROBECAN BE INSERTED THROUGH ONE WALL OF SAID OUTER AND